Overview
Losing your passport while traveling in Japan is stressful, but the process for getting a replacement is well-established and efficient. Kanagawa's proximity to Tokyo means most embassies are accessible within an hour, and Japan's thorough lost-property system gives you a good chance of recovering your documents.
This guide provides step-by-step instructions for what to do if you lose your passport, wallet, or other essential documents in Kanagawa.
If You Lose Your Passport
Step 1: Retrace Your Steps
Immediately think back to where you last had your passport. Common places to check:
- Hotel safe or room (many people leave passports at hotels and forget)
- Last shop or restaurant you visited
- Last train, bus, or taxi
- Your day bag or jacket pocket
Step 2: Visit the Nearest Koban (Police Box)
Go to the nearest koban and file a Lost Property Report (遺失物届). The officer will:
- Take a detailed description of the passport
- Record when and where you lost it
- Give you a report number (受付番号) — keep this number safe
Why this is important: You need the police report number to apply for an emergency passport at your embassy.
Step 3: Contact Your Embassy
Major embassies are in Tokyo, approximately 30-60 minutes from Kanagawa:
| Embassy | Phone | Emergency Number | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Embassy | 03-3224-5000 | 03-3224-5000 (24h) | Minami-Azabu, Tokyo |
| UK Embassy | 03-5211-1100 | 03-5211-1100 (24h) | Ichibancho, Tokyo |
| Canadian Embassy | 03-5412-6200 | 03-5412-6200 (24h) | Akasaka, Tokyo |
| Australian Embassy | 03-5232-4111 | 03-5232-4111 (24h) | Minami-Azabu, Tokyo |
| EU countries | Check your embassy website | Various, Tokyo |
Call ahead: Most embassies require an appointment for emergency passport services. Explain your situation and they will guide you on next steps.
Step 4: Apply for an Emergency Passport
At the embassy, you will need:
- Police report (from Step 2) — with the report number
- Two passport photos — 4.5cm × 3.5cm (available at photo booths in train stations)
- Valid ID — driver's license, national ID card, or copy of your passport
- Proof of citizenship — birth certificate copy (if available)
- Travel itinerary — flight confirmation, hotel bookings
- Emergency passport fee — varies by country (typically ¥5,000-¥15,000)
- Application form — available at the embassy
Processing time: Emergency passports are typically issued within 1-3 business days. Some embassies can issue same-day emergency travel documents in urgent situations.
If You Lose Your Wallet
Step 1: Cancel Cards Immediately
| Card Type | Number to Call |
|---|---|
| VISA | 00531-44-0022 |
| Mastercard | 00531-44-0022 |
| American Express | 0120-020-222 (toll-free) |
| JCB | 0120-888-159 (toll-free) |
Step 2: Report to Koban
Just like with a passport, file a Lost Property Report. Most lost wallets in Japan are returned — the national return rate is over 70%.
Step 3: Emergency Cash
If you are without funds:
- Western Union: Receive money transfers at locations in Yokohama and Kawasaki
- Embassy emergency loans: Some embassies provide emergency loans for citizens
- Credit card emergency cash: Most cards offer emergency cash advances
- Hotel assistance: Your hotel may be able to help arrange funds
If You Lose Your Phone
Step 1: Track Your Phone
- iPhone: Use Find My iPhone via iCloud.com
- Android: Use Google's Find My Device via google.com/android/find
Step 2: Contact Your Carrier
Major mobile carriers have stores in Kanagawa:
- docomo: Multiple locations in Yokohama Station, Kawasaki, Kamakura
- au: Yokohama Station, Kawasaki Station
- SoftBank: Yokohama Station, major shopping centers
Step 3: Back Up Data
If you used cloud backup services, your data (photos, contacts, messages) is already saved. You can restore everything when you get a replacement phone.
Step 4: Insurance Claim
If you have travel insurance that covers electronics, contact your insurance provider for a claim.
Insurance Coverage for Lost Items
What Travel Insurance Typically Covers
- Lost luggage: ¥50,000-¥200,000
- Lost passport: Replacement costs (typically ¥10,000-¥30,000)
- Lost cash: ¥30,000-¥100,000
- Lost electronics: Varies by policy
Filing a Claim
To file an insurance claim, you will need:
- Police report (from koban)
- Receipts or proof of purchase for lost items
- Travel insurance policy number
- Description of the incident
Prevention: Before You Travel
Digital Backups
Before your trip, create digital copies of:
- 📄 Passport (photo page)
- 💳 Credit cards (front and back)
- 🛡️ Travel insurance (policy document)
- 🏨 Hotel reservations
- ✈️ Flight itineraries
Store them in:
- Your email (send to yourself)
- Cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud)
- A trusted contact back home
Physical Precautions
- Use a hotel safe for your passport — carry only a copy during the day
- Carry your wallet in a front pocket or zipped bag
- Use a money belt or neck pouch for valuables
- Keep emergency cash (¥20,000-¥30,000) separate from your main wallet
- Write down your credit card emergency numbers on a card kept separate from your wallet
🇯🇵 Key Phrases
| English | Japanese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| I lost my passport | パスポートをなくしました | Pasupōto wo nakushimashita |
| I need an emergency passport | 緊急パスポートが必要です | Kinkyū pasupōto ga hitsuyō desu |
| Where is the embassy? | 大使館はどこですか？ | Taishikan wa doko desu ka? |
| I need to cancel my cards | カードを止める必要があります | Kādo wo tomeru hitsuyō ga arimasu |
| I have no money | お金がありません | Okane ga arimasen |
| Can I use your phone? | 電話を使わせてください | Denwa wo tsukawasete kudasai |
Practical notes for visitors
Japan's lost-and-found system is remarkably effective. Wallets containing cash are frequently returned with all contents intact. If you lose your passport, file the police report within 24 hours — this not only initiates the search through Japan's centralized lost-property database but also provides the documentation needed for your embassy application. The police report number (受付番号) is your most critical piece of documentation.
Your embassy in Tokyo can issue an emergency travel document (typically valid for one direct return journey) within 1-3 business days. Some embassies offer same-day emergency passports for genuine emergencies. Bring photocopies of your passport photo page and any previous visas — having these significantly speeds up the process. The emergency passport fee varies by country but is typically between ¥5,000 and ¥15,000.
If you lose both your passport and wallet simultaneously, go directly to your embassy. Most embassies have emergency loan programs for destitute citizens, and they can help arrange communication with family or friends who can wire funds. The embassy can also provide a list of English-speaking legal and financial resources in Tokyo.
